1.09 Lawn Alternatives & Ground Covers

With the march of Chafer Beetle across the lower mainland , we are looking for alternatives to turn to.

Chafer beetle naturally fly towards sunset which has helped their march west from New Westminster, where they were first discovered. They also fly towards street lights on boulevards , which is why you'll see more damage in some areas.

Damage is seen in the fall to early spring when the grubs are full-grown. Grubs will feed all throughout the winter until they pupate in May. Adults may emerge from April to late June. Eggs hatch in mid July , tiny grubs begin feeding on roots of grass. The worst damage from feeding can be seen in February and March.

The damage these beetles cause can be masked by abundant moisture in spring and fall, but drier weather quickly results in the appearance of brown patches on your grass. More here

Micro clover is something which is now readily available and a suggested alternative. micro-clover doesn’t need mowing, it mainly goes brown over winter.

Dutch White Clover is also an attractive ground cover and reports are that when intermixed with regular grass, damage is minimal.

Other feedback from members: West Coast Seeds is selling tall fescue (a taller more resistant grass) mixed with micro-clover. Kerrisdale lumber also sells this mix.

The Flower photos of Ajuga reptans and Violets below, were kindly shared by Christine Allen who requests that you don't share them without her permission